The Masonic Initiate: A Guide to Light by Bradrick Joyner

Author:Bradrick Joyner
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, pdf
Published: 2015-01-19T06:00:00+00:00

With hard work and training, the rough ashlar of a man may be transmuted into an educated man of culture. By developing his natural abilities, he has made himself a pleasure and asset to society, as typified by the perfectly hewed and polished stone. It isn't until man is able to amend the crude faults in his own being that he will be able to be received as a stone worthy, or as a stone even capable, of being received into the construction of a Temple dedicated to God.

How relevant the symbolism of the rough and perfect ashlar is to the EA degree! We are told repeatedly that the EA degree represents the lesser qualities of man. I find it incredibly appropriate to have a symbol of such earthy origins and influence. It is through the external chiseling of the negative aspects of our being that man can prepare himself to be received into a higher purpose.

We find an instrument or “working tool” in the EA degree known as the “twenty-four inch gauge.” Above all, this symbol is in regards to time well spent. It emphasizes the value of our time, and that time which is wasted can never again be obtained. Time is priceless, but still we must find time for all of our endeavors. We learn to be sure to allocate time for our labor, time for our refreshment, time for prayer, time for charity, and time for satisfaction.

The other “working tool” that's prescribed in the EA degree is the “common gavel.” The “tools” of Freemasonry are what the builder needs in order to carry out his work. The method in which the rough ashlar is made perfect is by the common gavel. By use of the gavel, man can break down the stone so that it can be made better. The first step in perfecting the rough ashlar is to destroy the elements that make the stone unstable and unfit for use, and this first step is achieved by use of the “common gavel”.

Symbolically, the gavel's purpose is to break off the negative and counterproductive behaviors from our lives. By using the gavel to do away with the excesses and bad habits of his character, man can prepare himself for a more noble cause. He can prepare himself for more important duties, and for more gratifying experiences. The most beneficial element of the gavel's effects may be the fact that when applied, it can enable us to make best use of our time and our energies, and this is a most healthy way to expedite our soul's progress.

We also see the gavel used as the inherent instrument to be used in keeping order in the Lodge. From this use, the gavel is sometimes referred to as a “Hiram,” because just as the gavel assists the Worshipful Master in maintaining order during the business of the Lodge, Solomon ruled and directed the workmen in the Temple by the aid of Hiram the Master Builder.

The layout of the Lodge-room

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